200+ firefighters fight Phoenix recycling plant blaze
One firefighter was injured in the response, which was determined to be the largest in the department’s history, a Phoenix Fire Department spokesman said
By Rachel Engel
PHOENIX — A recycling yard fire drew a historic response from the Phoenix Fire Department, with more than 200 firefighters responding to the scene.
The blaze began about 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, the Washington Post reported, with more than 50 firefighters still working to put out hot spots on Sunday morning. One firefighter with a lower leg injury was transported to a hospital.
The intensity of the fire, which drew members from 10 agencies across the area, was a first for the PFD.
“We do go on recycling fires, but for it to hit this this level – it was the first time in history,” Spokesman Capt. Todd Keller said in an interview with the Post. “This is our first time experiencing this.”
The density and volume of smoke appeared on weather radar for the area, and was also visible from space, according to the National Weather Service Phoenix.
Firefighters are currently battling a 2nd Alarm Recycling Yard Fire near 35th Ave & Lincoln. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/GJh8VnALIj
— Phoenix Fire Dept. (@PHXFire) June 5, 2021
*Update Recycling Yard Fire*
— Phoenix Fire Dept. (@PHXFire) June 6, 2021
Crews were on scene throughout the night using front end loaders to extinguish active hotspots. 35th Ave from Buckeye to Van Buren will remain closed. We ask you to please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/VXQKL1TeY9
A large plume from the big fire west of downtown Phoenix as seen on our radar loop this afternoon. #azwx pic.twitter.com/onosH0gDuM
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) June 5, 2021
